Lexington, Ky. — John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, was honored on behalf of the park Monday night at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California, by three of the Thoroughbred Industry's most significant organizations. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), the Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers' Association unanimously bestowed the Special Eclipse Award on Nicholson for the park's "outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of Thoroughbred Racing."

Nicholson accepted the highest honor in the Thoroughbred industry at the black-tie gala surrounded by Hollywood celebrities, horse racing royalty, elite breeders, owners and trainers, and remarked, "We are mindful, always, of what is the heart and soul of our mission, and that is to give honor and reverence to an animal that has given far more to us than we could ever give in return."

A video clip produced by TVG of Nicholson accepting the award is posted on the NTRA's website: www.ntra.com/video.aspx?id=30479.

"The Eclipse Award steering committee strongly believed that the Kentucky Horse Park was most deserving of the Special Award for its extraordinary contribution and dedication to the Thoroughbred industry and the wonderful experience that its millions of visitors have enjoyed over the years," said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. "The special care for the great racehorse John Henry in his retirement, and his most dignified passing in 2007, symbolizes the love and devotion of the men and women who work at the Kentucky Horse Park each day."

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Contact:
Cindy Rullman
859-259-4209 ext 209
crullman@kyhorsepark.com

For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games visit www.feigames2010.org.